1. This passage cleverly compares the scrawny, overworked, badly fed mules to the underclass labourers and day workers who couldn't afford to get married, were blackened by their constant exposure to the sun and were regarded by the upper classes as little more than beasts of burden.

2. This passage mocks Madam Estefaldina's hypocrisy - she is extremely greedy, snobbish and selfish and yet, she adopts a servile and abject attitude (similar to a dog's) when it comes to religion, masking her true character with exaggerate displays of piety that are as pathetic as they are false.

3. The mostly extinct were a very prominent noble family who played a pivotal role during the Spanish Reconquista from the Moors, starting their rise to the upper nobility on the 11th Century. In all likelihood, Madam Estefaldina is meant to descend from one of the family's minor branches, which is reflected in both the squalor in which she lives, and the few privileges she still preserves in her small rural world

Tienen permiso de usar mis traducciones como base para hacer otras traducciones, pero solo en este sitio con crédito. — You have permission to use my translations as a base to make other translations, but only on this site and with credit.

Tienen permiso de usar mis traducciones como base para hacer otras traducciones, pero solo en este sitio con crédito. — You have permission to use my translations as a base to make other translations, but only on this site and with credit.

2. It is the birthplace of President Benito Juárez. At that time, Guelatao had a population of fewer than 100 people, and fell under the jurisdiction of the larger neighbouring town of Ixtlán. Juárez was therefore baptised in the church at Ixtlán, which is now known as Ixtlán de Juárez in his honour. However, Guelatao became an independent municipality in 1824. The town has a small museum dedicated to Juárez.

3. I feel like this might be too literal, I think 'his famous saying/motto' would have been better?

Tienen permiso de usar mis traducciones como base para hacer otras traducciones, pero solo en este sitio con crédito. — You have permission to use my translations as a base to make other translations, but only on this site and with credit.